Charlie Roub attended his last council meeting as Shelby’s Chief of Police on Monday evening. After 35 years of serving the Shelby community as a police officer, Roub’s official last day with the Shelby Police Department is March 7.
“I’ve had the privilege for the last 30-something years to serve the citizens of the city of Shelby, the last seven years with the support of council, three different mayors and one finance director,” said Roub. “I’d like to thank you all for your support and ask that you continue to support whoever it may be that takes my position when I leave.”
Roub officially announced his retirement at council’s Dec. 1 meeting. On Monday, members of Shelby City Council expressed their gratitude to Roub for his service throughout the years and wished him well in his retirement.
“Charlie Roub grew into the job and matured and became a fine chief, and we truly thank him for that consistency,” said Mayor Steve Schag. “The city has been under wonderful care with the administration of Chief Roub at the helm.”
“I’m sorry to see you leave the police department, but I’m glad you’ve moved into Ward 1,” said Councilmember Pat Carlisle. “You’re a plus to the ward, and you’re still going to be a plus to the city, I’m absolutely certain of that. Thank you so much for your service.”
A few members of council shared personal memories of working with Roub.
“Back in the 1990s I served on the auxiliary with Chief Roub and enjoyed our time together,” said Councilmember Steve McLaughlin. “Congratulations on your retirement, and good luck.”
“I remember two years ago at this time I was thinking about running, and I met with the chief and he answered all my many plethora of questions,” said Councilmember Nathan Martin. “I greatly appreciated that then, and I greatly appreciate that now.”
“I’d like to thank Charlie for his administration and his friendship,” added Finance Director Bob Lafferty.
Councilmember Garland Gates, a retiree himself, cautioned Roub of the busyness that comes with having more free time.
“Retirement is not for sissies,” said Gates with a laugh. “It’s a busy time. My guess is the chief may wonder how did he find time to work.”
After starting with the Shelby Police Department as an auxiliary officer in November 1979, Roub is approaching retirement with trepidation. However, he noted on Monday he looks forward to continuing to serve the community.
“There are a lot of people who have been at it longer than me, but the way I planned my life fell right into that,” said Roub on Dec. 13 of his retirement. “And this is a young guy’s game. I enjoy it, I’m going to miss it, but by the same token it’s time to move on.”
